Systems and methods for determining location over a network

Abstract

Systems and methods for determining location over a network are disclosed. In some embodiments, a method comprises scanning, by a digital device, an area for one or more wireless networks, receiving one or more BSSIDs associated with the one or more wireless networks, generating a location request in a DNS protocol formatted message, the location request comprising the one or more BSSIDs, providing the location request, receiving a location response based on the location request, and retrieving at least one location identifier from the location response.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION[0001]The present application claims benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61 / 218,888 filed Jun. 19, 2009, and entitled “Systems and Methods for Locating and Accessing a Wireless Network” which is incorporated by reference.[0002]The present application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. Nonprovisional patent application Ser. No. 12 / 240,920 filed Sep. 29, 2008, and entitled “Systems and Methods for Wireless Network Selection” which claims benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60 / 976,344 filed Sep. 28, 2007, and entitled “Systems and Methods for Opportunistic Access to Free and Open Wireless Networks” which are both incorporated herein by reference.[0003]U.S. Nonprovisional patent application Ser. No. 12 / 240,920 is also a continuation-in-part of U.S. Nonprovisional patent application Ser. No. 11 / 899,739, filed Sep. 6, 2007, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,196,188 entitled “Systems and Methods for Providing Network Credentials” which c...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

Simplifies network access by automating credential management and selection, enhancing security by encrypting credentials, and providing reliable network access even without GPS, by using a credential server to manage network credentials and select suitable networks based on attributes.

Problems solved by technology

As a result, a user of multiple hotpots may have to store, remember, or otherwise manage a large number of passwords.

However, not all devices capable of accessing hotspots are laptop computers; cellular phones, personal digital assistants (PDAs), and many other devices are now capable of wireless access.

Unfortunately, users often cannot easily enter the password on the device or store the password within the device.

Even when a device includes a keyboard, the keyboard is often small and may be of limited functionality, especially for users with limited finger dexterity.

Additionally, having the username and password stored in the device presents a security problem should the device be lost or stolen.

This process is time consuming and the user may enter the wrong information and be forced to re-enter data.

As a result, simple password access is susceptible to hacking and may compromise the user's network access, the hotspot, and / or the user's personal information.

Moreover, the user's network access may be stolen if the user's simple password is hacked or simply guessed.

Connecting to wireless networks has traditionally been a complex process for users of wireless devices for other reasons.

To add to user frustration, some of the wireless networks may be functional while others may be misconfigured in such a way that renders the network unusable.

In making a decision of which Wi-Fi network to connect, the user typically does not know whether the selected Wi-Fi network will provide adequate quality of service or even if the network will be able to provide an IP address via Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP).

Although many applications make increasing use of location information, not all devices include a global positioning system (GPS) or similar hardware.

Further, although a device may have a GPS, a sufficient number of satellites may not be available or visible to determine location.

For example, a user may be indoors, one or more satellites may be inaccessible, or the GPS signal from the device may be blocked.

Further, as devices get smaller and cheaper, GPS hardware with limited capability, flexibility, and communication functionality may hamper retrieval of GPS coordinates.

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